Joao Mario: West Ham fans made all the difference against Southampton and they can do it again

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James Benge1 April 2018

Joao Mario wants West Ham fans to “make the difference” again as he credited supporters with inspiring the Hammers to a crucial 3-0 win over Southampton.

David Moyes’ side moved five points clear of the relegation zone - and from 17th place to 14th - with victory at the London Stadium, Mario scoring the opener before Marko Arnautovic struck twice before half-time.

West Ham’s last game before the international break had ended in ignominious scenes as supporters protested against the board and some ran onto the pitch during a 3-0 home defeat from Burnley.

On Saturday there was a sense of optimism in east London as the Hammers claimed three critical points ahead of a tough run of games that sees them face Chelsea, Stoke, Arsenal and Manchester City in April.

“It was impressive from our supporters today,” Mario said. “I just want to say thank you to them, and let’s continue like that for the next home game against Stoke City.

“I just want them to make the difference in that game, as they did today.

“All the team wanted to change the situation from the last match here, which we lost, and it was an important phase of the week so we’re just happy to get three points today and come up the table.

“Chelsea is a really nice game against a really difficult team, but we will try to do the best as possible, and of course we will try to get some points.”

Mario opened his West Ham account in impressive fashion, striking a powerful shot from the edge of the area Alex McCarthy could only tip into the roof of the net.

The Portuguese international, on loan from Inter Milan, had struggled to make a major impact in his first six games for the club, in which he registered only an assist.

“I’m really happy with my first goal here,” Mario told West Ham TV. “It was at home in an important win, a massive game, for us. It was a really nice victory so I’m just really happy today.

“I was trying a couple of times to score my first goal for West Ham. I’m just really happy to score today and also to help the team was the most important thing, because we got the three points.”

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